With two of Portugal's first choice midfielders ruled through suspension this Saturday, some England fans might want to check out the progress of Spain, another side along with Brazil who they could meet in the semi-finals.
They must get past France tonight to get themselves into the last eight along with five other European nations and two from South America.
Oliver Kay in The Times wrote: ‘Spain would argue that they have, with Fernando Torres and David Villa offering a potent goal threat, a vibrant young team.'
After crushing quarter finalists Ukraine 4-0 in their opening game of the tournament, Villa who scored a brace said: "There were people who doubted our ability and we were all very keen to show that Spain could aspire to everything."
And there was fighting talk from Torres, ahead of tonight's second round clash that has already been billed as a grudge match after remarks made in the past by Spain coach Luis Aragones.
"France finished second in the group for a reason," said the Athletico Madrid striker. (The Guardian)
He added: "We have slowly gained confidence in our football." (Daily Mirror)
Midfielder Xavi paid tribute to his Barcelona teammate and Spain's centre half beside Pablo Ibanez: "Puyol has stifled Thierry Henry once already in the European Cup final," he offered.
"I think Spain have produced some excellent performances. We've strung together three wins, which has really helped build confidence," said Puyol, a veteran of the Spanish squad at just 28.
Last Monday Spain beat Tunisia to secure a route out of Group H after trailing the game at half-time. Aragones introduced Raul and Cesc Fabregas for the second half and 24-year-old Joacquin also came on as a substitute. They will all be hoping to start against a French side tonight who only just scraped out of their own group.
Raul said: "We have usually been put out earlier than this. But the coach has adopted a style that is based on having the ball at our feet." (The Sun)
Many people on these shores want to see a lot more of 18-year-old Aaron Lennon, particularly after his appearance as a second half substitute against Trinidad & Tobago. He was the surprise package in the Premiership for Spurs last season. It was beyond the player's wildest dreams to be involved in England's World Cup squad just months after making the step up to Under-21level.
Sam Wallace in The Independent wrote: ‘An unpretentious character, Aaron Lennon gives England something no one other than Wayne Rooney has: pace, and the precious ability to go past a defender. He is England's natural exponent of the counter-attacking style of Barcelona or Chelsea. Precocious young talent has a habit of forcing the most conservative, unswerving managers to examine what they thought they knew and change their minds. Over the next week, the Swede has a chance of finding a place in the team for the next generation.'
It's simple really, Eriksson can take the advice or face reports concerning his side's unimpressive performances so far, similar to these ones currently circulating the rest of the world.
From Spanish newspaper El Nacional: It was "easy to believe Sven when he said the best is yet to come because the white flag with the cross of Saint George suffered in the face of lesser rivals . . . unlike the subjects of Queen Elizabeth . . . Ecuador went out with their heads held high". England's was "an embarrassing performance from the country that invented football".
From El Comercio: Beckham's kick "saved a team that was ordinary and conservative from beginning to end".
And from El Pams: England's performance was "a goal and a pile of vomit". "England continues its absurd World Cup campaign. With each passing game, it gets worse".